“You can’t just rely on social media—you’ve got to touch people.” That philosophy has been the backbone of Chris Brandl’s journey for over two decades at the helm of Brandl Restaurant in Belmar, New Jersey. As a guest on Episode #142 of Grit Won’t Quit, Chris shared how his restaurant has become a staple of the Jersey Shore dining scene and how staying innovative—not just in the kitchen, but in business—has kept the magic alive for 23 years.
A Shore Favorite, Season After Season
With Jersey Shore Restaurant Week underway (March 28 – April 6), Brandl’s offering a prix-fixe menu that’s as creative as it is comforting. Guests can enjoy standout dishes like:
- Charcoal-Roasted Beet Carpaccio with Burrata
- Homemade Gnocchi Bolognese
- Lobster Bisque
- Bell & Evans Roasted Chicken
- Apple Strudel and Housemade Sorbets
While many restaurants limit their menu during holidays, Brandl takes a different approach: “I don’t like to limit people. We offer our full menu, plus seasonal specials.”
For Easter, those specials include shareables like a smoked beef tartare platter, a seafood tower, and signature soufflés like dark chocolate Valrhona or the upcoming key lime variety.
Reinvention: A Constant Ingredient
Brandl opened his namesake restaurant in 2002 just days before Christmas—an ambitious move that paid off with a sold-out holiday season. But staying relevant meant evolving with the times. “Back in the day, I didn’t even have chicken or salmon on the menu,” Chris said. “I had wild boar, venison, ostrich—I wanted to be different.”
That mindset carried him through challenges like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. From introducing crowd-pleasing takeout items to building a loyal team (many of whom have been with him since the beginning), Chris’s adaptability has been key.
One popular pivot? The Brandl food trailer, which now serves gourmet bites at breweries, backyard parties, weddings, and pop-ups all over Monmouth County. Think: hot honey chicken sandwiches, crab cakes with red pepper relish, and house-smoked wings.
Building More Than a Business
Brandl isn’t just feeding locals—he’s helping build the community. As a founding member of the Belmar-Lake Como Chamber of Commerce, he’s spearheading events like the upcoming Eat Your Heart Out, a food and wine tour debuting next April. With 30+ eateries, wine tents, and trolley service, it’s set to become another Belmar tradition.
“We want to make Belmar a destination,” Chris emphasized. “It’s about getting everyone—retail, restaurants, the town—to work together.”
More Than a Chef
Away from the kitchen, Chris is full of surprises. A former commercial fisherman, he once caught tuna and sharks 100 miles offshore and sold his catch directly to restaurants. Today, he channels that same energy into his national championship-winning street hockey team, the Pirates.
“Oh yeah, I’m a professional street hockey player too,” he joked, proudly sharing that his team took home the National Ball Hockey League championship this past year—defeating teams from across the country.
Book Your Table—or Your Party
From intimate dinners to full-blown celebrations, Brandl Restaurant is open for dine-in, catering, and off-premise events. The venue can seat up to 120 guests during peak season, making it ideal for birthdays, mitzvahs, weddings, or corporate events.
“Come downtown Brandl—your dining destination at the Jersey Shore.”
Whether you’re craving a five-course feast, looking to host an unforgettable party, or just want to meet a chef who still laces up his hockey skates, Brandl delivers.
Visit the Brandl website: https://www.brandlrestaurant.com
